John 7:51

51 "Does our Law decide about a man's guilt without first listening to him and finding out what he is doing?"

John 7:51 Meaning and Commentary

John 7:51

Doth our law judge any man
Or condemn any man; or can any man be lawfully condemned:

before it hear him:
what he has to say for himself; is this the usual process in our courts? or is this a legal one to condemn a man unheard?

and know what he doth?
what his crimes are. This he said, having a secret respect for Christ, though he had not courage enough openly to appear for him.

John 7:51 In-Context

49 It's only this crowd, ignorant of God's Law, that is taken in by him - and damned."

50 Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus earlier and was both a ruler and a Pharisee, spoke up.

51 "Does our Law decide about a man's guilt without first listening to him and finding out what he is doing?"

52 But they cut him off. "Are you also campaigning for the Galilean?

53 Examine the evidence. See if any prophet ever comes from Galilee." Then they all went home.